Discussion Questions
1. Explain how technology has changed the learning environment.
Answer: Technology has made it possible for employees to gain control over when and
where they receive training, and has allowed access to knowledge and expert systems on an
as-needed basis. It has also broadened the types of media available in training programs. The
2. What types of learning outcomes are best suited for mobile learning? Explain.
Answer: Mobile learning is best suited for teaching facts given the limited personal
3. What are the differences between expert systems and electronic performance tools?
Answer: Although both systems can be used as both a teaching tool and to provide expert
4. Are training support technologies always needed? Justify your answer.
Answer: Student answers will vary. Although training support technologies may not always
be necessary, they are most needed when the performance of a task is infrequent, lengthy,
5. Discuss how new technologies make it easier to learn. How do they facilitate transfer of
training?
Answer: Technology has allowed learning to become more dynamic. Instruction is designed
by the trainer, but primarily delivered through the Internet, allowing the instructor to become
more of a resource and coach. Learners interact with the training content through exercises,
6. Is all Internet training the same? Explain.
Answer: No. Internet training, just as any sort of training, is extremely varied. The quality of
any Internet program is dependent on technology assessment and an assessment of the skills
7. What are some potential problems with using virtual reality technology for training?
Answer: Virtual reality training can be ineffective due to use of poor equipment, which
8. What is social media? Explain how it can be used for training.
Answer: Social media are online and mobile technology used to create interactive
communications allowing the creation and exchange of user-generated content. They include
blogs, wikis, networks such as Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn, microsharing sites such as
Twitter, and shared media such as YouTube. Social media can be useful for:
providing links to resources such as webinars, videos, and articles related to new learning
content.
helping determine future training needs and issues by using tagging capabilities.
9. Explain learner control, sharing, and linking. How do they contribute to the effectiveness of
e-learning?
Answer: Learner control, the ability for trainees to learn actively by controlling the pace of
learning, exploring links to other material, and communicating with other trainees and
experts, allows for a more personalized and effective learning experience. Sharing, or
interaction between trainees, allows the exchange of ideas and experiences, allowing trainees
10. What is repurposing? How does it affect the use of new technologies in training?
Answer: Repurposing refers to directly translating an instructor-led face-to-face training
11. Distance learning can be used to deliver a lecture to geographically dispersed trainees. How
might distance learning be designed and used to avoid some of the learning and transfer of
training problems of the traditional lecture method?
Answer: A distance learning program enables employees to watch a satellite broadcast live or
12. Why would a company use a combination of face-to-face instruction and web-based training?
Answer: Despite the many advantages of online learning, many companies are moving to a
blended learning approach, because of the limitations of related technologies, employees’
13. What conditions are best for the use of social media tools as part of a learning solution?
Answer: To determine if social media would be an effective learning tool in a company, the
questions to ask are:
Are social networks already being used in the company?
Does social networking fit into the company’s learning strategy?
Are employees geographically dispersed?
The more “yes” answers to these questions, the more likely that social media will be an
effective learning solution. The most important consideration is whether social media is
14. What should a manager do to help ensure that online learning is effective?
Answer: Needs assessment, creating a positive online learning experience, learner control,